An editor in chief finds outlets in various organizations, from magazines to newspapers, to book publishers, to groups of high school students who are interested in the school newspaper. Becoming editor-in-chief is not easy because it requires a long experience in writing, preparing documents to be published and managing them. Sometimes called the executive editor, the chief editor is responsible for publishing as a whole, including the actual publishing process, budget preparation and funding, vision and strategy. The editor-in-chief can also be the public image of the publication.
Steps
Part 1 of 5: Choosing a Specialization
Step 1. Focus primarily on one type of publication
There are editors for all types of publications, from magazines to newspapers, blogs, book publishing. Determine which gender is most attractive to you. The set of skills necessary for the profession is, in general, common to various sectors: printed and online newspapers, magazines and academic publications. Once you get to the executive level, however, you will be an expert in a particular industry and will likely need to stay in that industry to become editor-in-chief.
Step 2. Learn everything you can about the industry
Research and identify the key organizations that attract you the most as potential employers. Focus on industry trends, and patterns of success and failure.
Step 3. Attend an appropriate higher education program
Most publications will require a bachelor's (or higher) degree in journalism, communications, business or similar, for management positions. However, for some publications, journalism degrees are not the most appropriate; for example, if you want to be the editor-in-chief of a fashion magazine, rather attend training courses for that specific sector. You should also consider the most suitable place to carry out your program. Access to internships is easier in urban areas, and some types of publications are more concentrated in some cities than others. For example, fashion magazines are probably more frequent in Milan, while art magazines are more widespread in Rome.
- A prestigious program may give you more opportunities, and a chance to connect with higher-profile people or organizations. However, junior schools do not preclude higher positions. In fact, less demanding study programs can give you the opportunity to take on leadership roles, because there may be less competition.
- If you have a degree in another discipline, you still have the opportunity to become editor-in-chief. You could associate your degree with a master's degree, or you could gain years of experience in the profession to replace the lack of specific training in the sector.
Part 2 of 5: Building the Skill Set
Step 1. Write a lot
No matter the topic, writing will help you hone your skills, find courage, and feel comfortable in any style. Find a balance in writing between creativity, practicality and effective communication. Avoid verbosity or incomprehensibility in writing. Think of the audience and write sensational, captivating and convincing articles, regardless of the topic.
Seek feedback for what you write. What may be clear or exciting to you may be confusing or complicated for others
Step 2. Read a lot
Being a good writer, and ultimately a good editor in chief, means being highly educated. Read what others write with a critical eye, acknowledging the good and the bad. Read any type of publication, from complicated novels to magazine articles and blogs. It is especially important to be learned in your field; if you aspire to become editor-in-chief of a scientific journal, for example, keep yourself constantly updated on news in the scientific field.
Step 3. Become a good editor
This implies knowing how to correct proofs in terms of consistency, quality, tone and style. Additionally, you will need to be able to assess whether the author has used valid and reliable sources. When correcting a piece, keep the right balance between the editorial addresses and the point of view of the author: you must be able to propose a criticism in constructive terms. Be brutally frank with your author. In someone else's work, recognize the positives first, then give concrete suggestions on how to edit difficult-to-read or unclear texts. Develop good relationships with authors who depend on you for guidance and guidance.
Keep in mind that an author's project is still his: avoid your ego taking your hand when you correct
Step 4. Read the style guides for your favorite publication or industry
Start with the AP style, which is an industry standard for writers and editors. You will likely need to be very familiar with other citation styles, such as APA, Chicago, MLA, and others. As you move up the ladder to become a professional editor, chances are you will need to know some of these styles from top to bottom.
Step 5. Overcome the gaps in print and digital formats
There are very few publications that do not have digital solutions to accompany the printed versions. There are many online-only publications, but knowing the printing processes well will help you to be a versatile worker.
Step 6. Build your interpersonal skills
The skill set shouldn't include just the technical ones. You also need to be able to work well as part of a team and on your own. Having a positive and optimistic attitude will help you every step of the way. It also doesn't hurt a good dose of pragmatism: be realistic about what you can do in a given amount of time, and what you can expect from others.
Step 7. Try to know as much as possible about the trends that affect your audience
Identifying trends that fit the editorial style of the publication will provide insights for stories to be assigned to authors. This will help your publication become an industry leader, and an authoritative voice that can attract more audiences.
Part 3 of 5: Building the Resume
Step 1. Start an internship
Getting an internship at a magazine, newspaper, website, or publishing house is a great way to start networking, gain experience, and learn about the type of business. Smaller companies may offer more opportunities to do more, while larger ones give your resume more prestige. Contact the companies you are interested in, and contact their human resources departments to inquire about an internship. Alternatively, visit a career counselor at a university to get those tips that best fit your interests and skill set. Looking for job advertisements online or in print can also facilitate the possibility of an internship.
Internships are often offered as unpaid jobs. They can offer college credit in exchange, but they can also be quite expensive for someone looking to get started in the industry. Be aware of the rules governing unpaid internships. There has been a great deal of debate as to whether this is a legal practice, because many internships are just methods of reducing labor costs. In general, internships should be beneficial to the trainee, resulting in a quality training experience (i.e., don't just bring coffee to the boss), and interns should not replace regular staff
Step 2. Accept a job in a small publishing company
This may have fewer audiences, a smaller budget and a more limited scope, and often covers market niches (hobby publications, for example). Smaller companies typically have few staff, which can mean that each employee takes on more responsibilities. This will allow you to gain valuable experience in leadership roles and to grow professionally. You could become editor-in-chief in a shorter time than what usually happens in a larger company. In any case, you can later move to a larger company.
Small publishers are by no means the "easiest path". They can be the most difficult, because they are often not supported by an audience acquired in the past; rather they may need to build their audience from scratch. They may also have more financial problems, which means that an editor-in-chief must have inventiveness and common sense to define the strategies that allow the company to survive
Step 3. Make a career
You could start as a writer, editor, or editorial contributor. As you gain more experience and build your skills, you may be promoted to assistant editor, associate editor, senior editor, or chief editor. Please note that these titles vary by industry and do not necessarily carry the same job responsibilities.
Step 4. Start your publication
Today it is very easy to start an online publication, and you have the right to assign yourself the role of editor-in-chief. If you have compelling vision and good writing skills, you can start your own publication. Propose yourself as editor-in-chief. Without the formal structure of an established organization, you may feel unqualified for the top position or have the feeling that you are pretending to be an editorial director. Trust yourself, make the vision of the publication yours, promote your content and BE the editor-in-chief.
Be prepared to do it all yourself. You may have other writers or editors to contribute to your publication, but if you start with no capital (or very little), you don't have the financial resources to pay for the staff. Likewise, you may need to work for free too. You may have to write all the content, be a web designer, solicit advertisers (if you decide to go this route), and promote the publication to the target audience
Part 4 of 5: Creating Relationships in the Professional Area
Step 1. Have informational interviews with people from organizations you consider first choice
An informal interview is an informal conversation with someone who can give you tips on a company or industry. This is not an interview for a job, nor is it aimed at learning about any employment opportunities. Rather, it is aimed at making contacts and gathering advice regarding the professional situation and role of a particular company. You can also learn about career paths that you have not previously considered.
- Make an appointment for the most appropriate time and place for the professional you wish to meet. Respect your time; may have to skip lunch to meet up with you.
- Do your research before you meet him. Find out everything you can about the company, the executives, the work culture, and the person you're interviewing with. Prepare questions in advance. Although you are not looking for a job with this company, you should still give the impression of professionalism and seriousness. Wear a smart suit and maintain a professional attitude during the interview.
- Follow up with a thank-you note on the informational interview. A well-curated and correct email is probably good for the purpose. Use formal greetings and thank you for taking the time and advice.
Step 2. Build alliances
Find people who want you to be successful. Try to avoid people who want to see you fail. You will run into obstacles to your career goals, and the people who want to help you are important to moving forward. Allies are people whose judgment you trust, who are frank with you, and who think you are a great asset to the industry.
Step 3. Engage in your community
This can be either your professional circle (other editors and writers) or the wider community (charities, social events, etc.). Expanding your circle of knowledge and increasing your visibility will contribute to your global profile as a leader, expert and guide.
Step 4. Join a professional association
There are many trade and industry associations whose members are professionals doing similar jobs. For editors at various levels, there are organizations such as the Italian Publishers Association, the National Association of Specialized Periodical Publishing, the Editorial Club and so on. These associations offer great opportunities for talks, conferences, career improvement seminars, career resources and research materials.
Part 5 of 5: Proceed for a Job
Step 1. Take seriously what it means to be editor-in-chief
The new job position could be more challenging, require more presence at public or community events, involve more executive or board meetings, more travel and so on. Consider how this job fits your lifestyle and how it can interact with your family.
Step 2. Prepare the application
Read the job description carefully and try to understand everything that is required. Carefully prepare a persuasive yet concise job application, detailing your qualifications for the job. Include the resume indicating the tasks and skills you have. You may also be required to submit additional documentation, such as the strategic vision for the publication or for the company. Submit your application by following the instructions contained in the job posting.
- If you already work at the company that has the vacancy as editor-in-chief, you can speak to your supervisor about your interest in the position. Do not assume that you will be chosen automatically. At these executive levels, companies want to get the best person; this will be the person with the most appropriate skills, but also the one who can bring innovation and leadership to improve the publication.
- You may be working within a competitive environment where you have close relationships with others who have applied for the same job. Or you may be moving from one organization to another, and you may not want to tell your manager, the public, clients or authors that you are thinking of moving. Be responsive and reserved when it comes to the job offer.
Step 3. Introduce yourself to the interview
Schedule the interview in a way that's convenient for you and the interviewers. You may need some flexibility and be ready to set aside a full day (or more) for the first round of interviews. Management-level positions usually require several with several interviewers; among these he considers the one with the publisher, with the board of directors and with the staff. Interviews could also take place at a company headquarters, and require travel (and time off your current job).
Expect several interviews if you are being seriously considered for the position
Step 4. Get the job
If you have successfully presented yourself as an exceptional choice for editor-in-chief, there is hope that you will be offered the job. Congratulations! While negotiating your job offer, you will have the opportunity to negotiate your salary, but remember: you need to know your industry and market in depth to determine the most appropriate salary.
Step 5. Be a good leader for the organization
You are taking over the reins of the publication. Leadership, creativity and the ability to innovate will determine how well you do your job and the measure of publication success.
